Washington Redskins: 2011-2012 Projected Starters

With the NFL draft complete, the Redskins roster is beginning to round into form. With free agency around the corner (assuming the lockout ends and there is football this year), it is time to look at potential suitors to fill out the starting lineup for the Redskins next season.

The Redskins have holes all over their roster. This will attempt to fill those holes and project the 2011-12 starting lineup for the Washington Redskins.

Strong Safety: LaRon Landry

LaRon Landry is not only the best strong safety that the Redskins have on their depth chart, but he is one of the top safeties in the league.

The move from free safety back to strong safety seemed to be the best move the Skins made all year last year. Before getting injured, Landry led the NFL in tackles at 85 in only nine games.

Landry is a physically dominating strong safety who basically plays as a fifth LB in the Redskins 3-4 scheme. Landry is the best player on the entire Redskins team, offense or defense. Look for him, along with Brian Orakpo, to be the cornerstones of this defense for years to come.

By the way, don't be surprised if he leads to NFL in tackles from the SS position this upcoming season. You heard it here first.

Free Safety: O.J. Atogwe

O.J. Atogwe

Even though the free agency period hasn't officially begun, the Redskins managed to snag the best safety available this year in O.J. Atogwe.

Atogwe has been one of the most underrated defensive players in the NFL for the past few seasons. His under the radar play can be attributed to the fact he has been playing for the St. Louis Rams. The Skins were able to sign Atogwe to a five-year, $26 million contract, a more than reasonable number for someone of Atogwe's skill set.

Ever since the death of Sean Taylor, the Redskins have struggled to fill in the FS spot left vacant by his death. Since the Landry experiment was a failure, the Skins tried such options as Kareem Moore and Reed Doughty, neither quality starters in the NFL. Atogwe is a rangy FS who can free up Landry to play in the box. Atogwe has Pro Bowl talent and is a significant upgrade to the secondary.

With the combination of Landry and Atogwe, the Skins' defense will inevitably be improved next year. This safety combo will compete to be the best in the league.

Cornerback: DeAngelo Hall

DeAngelo Hall

I will start out by saying I'm not the biggest DeAngelo Hall fan. He takes too many risks and gets beat for touchdowns and big plays too often, but I cannot deny that he is a playmaker on the defensive side of the ball, something the Redskins lack.

Hall made the Pro Bowl last year, greatly in part to Jay Cutler handing Hall four gifts in one game. With the departure of Carlos Rogers inevitable, Hall will be the only remaining member from the Smoot-Hall-Rogers tandem.

As long as Hall continues to make plays, along with giving up a few long touchdowns, he will remain the number one cornerback on the Skins depth chart. If he hones in on his risk taking, somewhat like Asante Samuel, and learns to tackle instead of shying away from contact, he could be one of the top five cornerbacks in the NFL.

Cornerback: Nnamdi Asomugha

Nnamdi Asomugha

And here comes the first surprise pick, but it is more than reasonable. Asomugha is in an elite class of cornerbacks, one that includes only him and Darrelle Revis. Dan Snyder likes to go after the big name targets, but unlike other free agents in the Redskins past that are predicated on a certain scheme (see Albert Haynesworth), Asomugha plays the cornerback position.

It is similar to hitting in baseball, if you can hit, you can hit. If you can guard a receiver, you can guard a receiver. If you can play corner for the Oakland Raiders, he will be able to play corner for the Redskins.

Carlos Rogers will most likely not be back with the Skins next year, leaving the second cornerback spot vacant. The current corners on the roster include Kevin Barnes and Byron Westbrook, neither cut out to be a number two corner in the NFL but could be solid nickel guys.

Whatever Asomugha looks for in a future team, money talks and the Redskins have a lot of it. If the Redskins are able to pair Asomugha with Hall and Atogwe with Landry, the Redskins secondary would strike fear in opposing QBs and free up time for their pass-rushers to get to the QB.

Outside Linebacker: Brian Orakpo

Brian Orakpo

Brian Orakpo is everything you want in a football player. He stays out of trouble, he works hard and plays at an elite level. Orakpo will team up with this year's draft pick, Ryan Kerrigan, and be a pretty solid pass rushing corps for the Skins.

I expect Orakpo to tally up double-digit sacks again on his way to another Pro Bowl. If the refs decide they want to finally call a hold for once when the opposing team's tackle puts Orakpo in a choke hold, Orakpo has the skill set to lead the league in QB take downs.

Outside Linebacker: Ryan Kerrigan

Ryan kerrigan

Ryan Kerrigan will team up with Brain Orakpo as pass rushing outside linebackers for the Redskins in 2011-12. Kerrigan does not have the highest of ceilings, but he is a hard-working, blue-collar worker with a high football IQ, something the Redskins have been lacking the past few years.

The Skins will rely heavily on Kerrigan to get to the quarterback. Expect Kerrigan to get around seven sacks, with a few coverage sacks thrown in there due to the improved secondary. Him and Orakpo will combine for over 20 sacks as a tandem this upcoming year.

Inside Linebacker: London Fletcher

London Fletcher

London Fletcher has been the most underrated linebacker of his era. He is a consistent triple-digit tackle guy and the unchallenged leader of whichever team and defense he plays on. He is simply the player you want leading your team into the battle.

Although Fletcher is getting up there in age, he doesn't seem to be slowing down. Fletcher managed to make the Pro Bowl again last year for his second year in a row.

Fletcher has been at the head of organizing offseason workouts for Redskins and has been essential in the development of defensive rookies.

He will rack up another 100-tackle year in route to another Pro Bowl appearance.

Inside Linebacker: H.B. Blades

H.B. Blades

Although I am a huge Rocky McIntosh fan, the Redskins will not pay McIntosh the money that he will receive from another team (funny right?). Instead, they will look to spend their money elsewhere and rely on the services of H.B. Blades.

With McIntosh on his way out, look Blades to step into his position. Blades reminds me of London Fletcher. He has a similar body build and is a solid tackler, similar to Fletcher.

There will be some growing pains dealing with Blades, but he will end up being a solid player for the Redskins at linebacker. He will have to near 100 tackles for this defense to be successful. If not, look for Lorenzo Alexander to get playing time at the second ILB position.

Left End: Adam Carriker

Adam Carriker

Carriker struggled to pick up the 3-4 scheme at the beginning of last year, but improved as the year went on.

Carriker is a prototypical 3-4 DE, measuring in at 6'6", 296 lbs. Carriker has been called a weight room warrior by his teammates and at his size, he is able to stop the run but still has the speed and technique to pressure the QB.

For the Redskins to be successful this year, the defensive line has to play better. Carriker will not put up big sack or tackle numbers, but his ability to take on blockers and fill up holes will determine his effectiveness in 2011-12.

Right End: Jeremy Jarmon

Jeremy Jarmon

Jeremy Jarmon was taken by the Redskins in the third round of the supplemental draft in 2009. He has flown under the radar, but his performance late in the season, specifically against the Jaguars, shows that he has what it takes to succeed in the NFL. Against the Jags, Jarmon showed that he has the athleticism it takes to get in the backfield but also has the ability to play the run.

Even though Jarmon has been in the league for two years, he is only 23. At 23, he is beginning to find his bearings in the NFL. Next season, he should be given the starting job at RE and the chance to prove himself. It is up to him whether he keeps the starting gig or they find a replacement.

Defensive Tackle: Albert Haynesworth

Albert Haynesworth

Whether the Skins want to trade him or not, I don't see another team giving up something in return for the troublesome DT. I may be the only one that would say this, but this might not be such a bad thing.

You may call me ignorant, but I still think Albert Haynesworth has what it takes to be the dominant force he was in Tennessee. What fans tend not to realize is that it's not that Haynesworth can't play, it's rather that he doesn't want to. He is only 29 years old, still in the prime of his career, and if he is able to focus and put his mind to it, he can still be a dominant force.

Shanahan handled Haynesworth poorly last offseason, aiming to embarrass him rather than preparing him for the season. With one offseason under their belt, I am hoping (maybe too optimistically) that Haynesworth and Shanahan can fix their relationship problems. If Haynesworth plays like he is capable of playing, he could single handily push the Skins defense into the top 10, making his life and Shanahan's a whole lot better.

Left Tackle: Trent Williams

Trent Williams

For having a lot on his plate as a rookie tackle, Trent Williams performed admirably over his freshman campaign. Not only did he have to protect the blind side of future Hall of Famer Donovan McNabb, but he also had to go up against the likes of DeMarcus Ware (twice), Mario Williams, Trent Cole (twice), Julius Peppers, Jared Allen and Osi Umenyiora (twice) and faired decently against them.

According to Shanahan, Williams has the highest potential out of any lineman he has ever worked with, which includes Ryan Clady. Shanahan worked with Clady in Denver, who has rounded into perhaps the best tackle in football (along with Jake Long). Hopefully, Williams will work hard and continue to improve this upcoming year and eventually live up to his enormous potential.

Williams had some injury problems over his first season but nothing too major to prevent him from being the starting LT for the Redskins in 2011-12.

Right Tackle: Ryan Harris

Ryan Harris

Even though it is currently up in the air, I do not see Jammal Brown being back on the Redskins next year. His asking price is too high and he did not have a good overall year with the Skins, even though he did improve toward the end of the year.

He struggled in the zone blocking scheme and was a huge injury risk, causing Stephon Heyer to step foot on the field (do not get me started on that).

Ryan Harris is the current right tackle for the Broncos, but he is set to be a free agent this offseason. Shanahan drafted Harris, so it is conceivable that he would go after him in free agency. Harris would be a great addition to the Shanahan zone blocking scheme. He is also young, so his game can still be improved. By signing Harris, it would provide stability at the RT position for years to come.

Right Guard: Maurice Hurt

Artis Hicks was a complete failure at guard last year. The other starting guard, Derrick Dockery, was cut after the season due to his failure in Shanahan's zone blocking scheme.

Shanahan knows what to look for in terms of an offensive lineman in his scheme. Hopefully Hurt, who was a seventh-round selection, can pick up the system quickly and be a decent interior lineman for the Skins next year. Until football activities actually start, Hurt and the right guard position will remain a mystery.

Left Guard: Deuce Lutui

The interior line play for the Redskins last year was absolutely miserable. I do not see anyone on their roster who could step in and fill the left guard position, so here enters Deuce Lutui.

I'm not exactly sure how Lutui would fit the zone blocking scheme for Shanahan, but something has to be done. He somewhat struggled last year in Arizona, but their entire season was abysmal, so we are going to chalk that up as an anomaly.

The year before that, Lutui played well and is probably on his way out of Arizona. Lutui would be an upgrade at the guard position and would come at a reasonable price.

Center: Kory Lichtensteiger

Handout/Getty ImagesKory Lichtensteiger

Casey Rabach should no longer be the starting center of the Redskins. He doesn't have the speed or strength to handle the younger, more athletic interior defensive lineman that the NFL has to offer. The game that made this blatantly obvious was the game against Ndamukong Suh, where Rabach got utterly embarrassed and tossed around.

Due to injury and poor play, Lichtenseiger got more playing time than expected last year and played admirably in that time. He fits the zone blocking scheme well but is a natural center rather than a guard. I expect the shift from guard to center to be a smooth one for Lichtenseiger, bringing a much needed upgrade to the center position.

Wide Receiver: Santana Moss

Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesSantana Moss

Santana Moss was one of the few playmakers that the Redskins had on their offense last year. Even though he is a free agent, Moss wants to be a Redskins and I don't see the Redskins letting him get away.

Moss will also be essential in the development of young receiver Leonard Hankerson, both him and Moss coming from Miami.

This will be the last time Moss will get a big contract, so expect the Skins to pay him handsomely and for Moss to put up 1,000 yards receiving and around seven end zone visits.

Wide Receiver: Mike Sims-Walker

Mike Sims-Walker

Another free agent lands in Washington with the signing of Mike Sims-Walker. Although he isn't the best free agent WR on the market, he is a solid number two and will come at a far more reasonable price.

He is not in the class of Sidney Rice or Vincent Jackson, but Sims-Walker has performed well over his last two seasons with the Jags and the Skins will not have to give up nearly as much to get his services. Under the radar in Jacksonville, Sims-Walker put up seven touchdowns the last two years.

He is also a solid red zone target at 6'2". Without height anywhere to be find on the receiving corps, other than Malcolm Kelly (if he can ever sniff the turf at this point in his career), Sims-Walker will help the future QB of the Skins.

Fullback: Mike Sellers

Mike Sellers

Even though he is nearing the end, there is still some gas in the tank for Mike Sellers.

Sellers is a solid receiver out of the backfield and a bruising runner whether he has the ball in his hands or not. He is somewhat inconsistent with his run blocking, but he is definitely above average and good enough to get the job done.

Even though Sellers will start the season, do not be surprised if young FB Darrel Young gets some playing time as the season goes on and injuries inevitably mount.

Running Back: Ryan Torrain

Sam Greenwood/Getty ImagesRyan Torrain

Even though the Portis era has come to an end, there is no need for an upgrade at the running back position. Other than last year, Shanahan is able to find success with any running back he decides to use. With an improved offensive line, the running game should improve in 2011-12.

Ryan Torrain is a one-cut running back, perfect for Shanahan's system. He showed a lot of potential last year, but the injury bug held him back. If injuries crop up again, the Skins are deep at running back with Keiland Williams and draft picks Roy Helu and Evan Royster.

Even though the Skins will list Torrain as their number one back, do not be surprised if they run some form of platoon system, with Torrain getting more touches than the other backs.

Tight End: Chris Cooley

Jim McIsaac/Getty ImagesChris Cooley

Chris Cooley's touchdown numbers have been low the past few years. Last year, he only managed three touchdowns, but he still caught nearly 80 balls for 849 yards.

Cooley is as solid as it comes at TE. Since he has had to stay in and help block for a poor offensive line, Cooley's blocking has also improved considerably over the past two seasons. Expect his touchdowns to get back up where they usually are (around eight) and for his yards to stay around 800.

Cooley will be the starter, but Fred Davis should see more action in the passing game this upcoming year. He is a horrendous blocker, but he is a terrific pass catcher and a tremendous athlete, even better than Cooley in those two aspects.

Quarterback: John Beck

It pains me to say it, but John Beck will be the QB of the Redskins in 2011-12. John Beck is nearing 30 and has yet to do anything in the NFL. If he succeeds, it will be an anomaly.

Shanahan is a big fan of Beck and rated him as the highest quarterback of the 2007 NFL draft. Do not put too much stock in that statement as the other quarterbacks of the 2007 class include such names as JaMarcus Russell, Brady Quinn and Kevin Kolb, none of which have had any form of success at the NFL level. Yet Kolb is still getting courted at the QB position as if he is a franchise changer (still trying to figure that one out).

Rumors have been swirling around the Bronocs and Titans where the Skins would trade Haynesworth for either Kyle Orton or Vince Young. I wouldn't mind, in fact, I would like to see Orton as the starting QB for the Skins. He threw for 20 TDs last year and only nine INTs. In reality, I do not see the Broncos trading for Haynesworth, especially since they already have Elvis Dumervil and newly drafted Von Miller to get in the backfield and cause havoc.

In terms of Vince Young, he knows how to win, but I do not see him working well in Shanahan's system. Shanahan would rather get players for his system than make a system based on his players.

Rex Grossman did not show enough to be the starter of the Redskins and Donovan McNabb played poorly his first year in Washington. Although these two could get another chance if Beck struggles, neither of them should be viable options for Shanahan.

Redskins fans have to hope that either Shanahan is a genius or that a deal is made in terms of the quarterback position. If worst comes to worst, the Skins can hope for a bad enough year to land franchise QB Andrew Luck in next year's draft.

Kicker: Anybody but Graham Gano

Larry French/Getty ImagesGraham Gano

In every statistical category, Graham Gano was the worst kicker in the NFL. He went 24-for-35. That's 68.6 percent. When your team gets inside the 40-yard line, you are expected to score. This was not the case with the Redskins in 2010-11.

Gano essentially took 33 points off the board for the Skins. That is enough points for an entire high-scoring game. He did not just miss from long distances either. He consistently missed 40-yarders and even a few 30-yarders. He also failed to come through in clutch situations. Contrary to his performance on the field, reports show that the Skins will make Gano their starting kicker next year. Am I missing something?

From Nick Novak to Shaun Suisham to Graham Gano, the Redskins have had terrible special teams play for years. It is about time that we actually focus on putting the ball through the goalposts. Even though it is unlikely, I would like to see the Skins pony up some money for another kicker with a better ability to put three points on the board, including Vinatieri, Prater, Longwell, Mare, Bryant, Crosby, amongst a host of other kickers.

Please get someone else to at least challenge Gano for the kicking job and don't let me watch the Skins lose more games because they cannot kick a simply field goal or even convert an extra point.

Punter: Adam Podlesh

Similar to the field goal kicking situation, the punting situation has been just as bad for years. It is as if the Skins do not realize that there are three components to a football game.

Adam Podlesh is a former Maryland Terrapin and current Jaguar, but he is set to become a free agent. He netted 44 yards a punt last year, a solid number for a punter. He was also good at pinning the opponents deep with more than half of his punts landing inside the 20.

Although the kickers and punters tend to fall short, the Skins tend to have a very good coverage team. Teaming a decent punter with a good coverage team could really help out in the field possession battle, especially for a team that struggles to score.

Kick and Punt Returner: Brandon Banks

Larry French/Getty ImagesBrandon Banks

The bright spot of the Redskins season last year was the emergence of Brandon Banks. Watching him touch the ball on kick or punt returns seemed like the best chance the Redskins had to score many games.

Even though he is one of the smaller players in the league, he is lighting fast and has the ability to take the ball to the house anytime he touches the ball. If it weren't for a few holding calls this season on kickoffs and punt returns, Banks could've had multiple return touchdowns last season.

Do not be surprised if you see Banks in more of a role as a receiver/wildcat player this upcoming year. There were flashes of the wildcat, but Banks has too much explosiveness to not get the ball in his hand more than just a one or two wildcat plays a game.